Press Release

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Roberto Azevêdo visited the Headquarters of the World Customs Organization (WCO) on 27 June 2014 during the 2014 Sessions of the WCO Council, the Organization's highest decision making body.

In his remarks, Director-General Azevêdo expressed his appreciation to the WCO and Member administrations for all the support it has given to the WTO’s work in Geneva, especially related to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  He commended the WCO for playing a very positive role in creating the conditions for success in Bali.

Director-General Azevêdo congratulated the WCO on the creation of the new WCO Trade Facilitation Working Group and the launch the WCO Mercator Programme to support implementation of the TFA. 

“The WCO Secretariat and Members welcome the visit by Director-General Roberto Azevêdo" said WCO Secretary General Mikuriya.  “We appreciate his recognition of the WCO’s significant contribution to supporting trade facilitation worldwide and support for Customs and Trade Ministries working collaboratively.”

“Moreover,” said Secretary General Mikuriya, “I appreciate his reference to the WCO Mercator Programme, which is aimed at assisting governments worldwide to implement the TFA expeditiously and in a harmonized manner by using core WCO instruments and tools, and the WCO’s robust technical assistance and capacity building delivery.”